Scrolling through Instagram Reels, you might come across flashy videos showing people making huge money in no time.
They promise quick earnings, dream jobs, or easy investments, tempting anyone looking for fast cash. But more often than not, these reels are just bait for scammers.
Instagram scams can take many forms: fake job offers, phishing links, fake giveaways, investment traps, Instagram WhatsApp Scam or even romance scams.
Scammers use these tactics to steal your money, hack your accounts, or trick you into sharing personal information.
If you spot a suspicious account, or worse, fall victim, knowing where and how to report Instagram scammer is crucial.
Let’s break down the steps to report them and protect yourself online.
What is an Instagram Scam?
An Instagram scam is no different from the scams we are aware of.
However, using the reach and convenience the social media, the scammers mostly perform eight types of scams. These are scams involving.
- Profitable investment,
- Lucrative career opportunity,
- Malicious phishing,
- Fraudulent loans,
- Fake donations,
- Paid subscriptions,
- Online purchase and
- Loss-making lottery and
- Instagram Gaming App Scam
All these scams come under the purview of cybercrime. If you are using Instagram for the first time, you are vulnerable to becoming a victim of scams. Therefore, knowing the ways to get out of it is the safest way to experience all the benefits of Instagram.
How to Report an Instagram Scammer Online?
You can either report to Instagram or the cybercrime departments of India about the scams. However, we suggest following both solutions.
Report to Instagram
Follow these simple steps to report scams on Instagram.
- Step One: Visit the scammer’s Instagram profile. You will find three dots at the upper right corner of the profile. Click the three dots.
Below is a screenshot sample. Find the red-marked area in the scammer’s Instagram profile.
Step 1: Visit Profile
- Step Two: A drop-down menu will open. Choose the “Report” options.
Step2: Report
- Step Three: It will open multiple categories of complaints. To report a scam, choose “Something Else”.
Step Four: Click on the Dropdown and choose Scam or Fraud
Cyber Crime Complaint for Instagram
Is it a cybercrime, or scam, or a fraud? You might find it tough to categorise the scam.
Before it takes away your sleep to report an Instagram scam, follow the steps mentioned below. Your issues will be solved!
- Collect all the details of all the images, messages, recordings, and transactions with the scammer as proof.
- Contact your bank to stop any transaction with an unknown account, do a security check, or reverse the last transaction.
- File a Cyber Crime complaint.
Note: Please attach relevant documents as proof, such as chat transcripts, bank statements identifying fraudulent transactions, call recordings, and FIR copy, etc.
File a Complaint in SEBI
If you have become a victim of Instagram investment scams by any investment or trading schemes through Instagram, you can report it to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) to seek action.
Here’s how:
- Gather all evidence: Collect screenshots of Instagram messages, reels, chats, transaction receipts, emails, or any other proof of communication and money transfer.
- Visit the SEBI SCORES portal: If it is a registered entity, then lodge complaint in SCORES portal and report the issue.
- Send an Email to SEBI: In case of an unregistered entity, draft your complaint to SEBI against company along with all proof and transaction details.
Reporting to SEBI can help initiate investigations and prevent scammers from targeting others.
When to Report an Instagram Scam?
The ideal reporting time is within 24 hours of fraud. However, the sooner you report, the better chance you have to recover money or take legal action.
Early reporting to banks about cyberfraud helps to reverse any fraudulent transactions made to the account. Banks become better equipped to protect your account if reported immediately.
Need Help?
Where to find the right person to guide the process? If you face a similar question, then our experts are ready to assist.
Our guidance will assist you in doing all the paperwork, following established norms, and getting justice effortlessly. Well, there can be a lot of hassle. But you will not be alone in the fight.
So, register with us now and begin the recovery process right away.
Conclusion
Instagram offers tremendous reach and opportunities, but unfortunately, scammers can use the same platform to target unsuspecting users.
If your instincts tell you something is off when clicking a link or interacting with an unknown account, take a step back and think twice.
Stay alert, verify before you trust, and remember: you can always contact us for guidance or support before any harm occurs. Protecting yourself early is the best way to avoid falling into a trap.
